Slovenia has a strong team of young and promising players that arguably is the main factor for success.

In 2017 Slovenia won a bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles in the European Junior Championships with Miha Ivanic and Nika Arih. After that, Badminton is constantly improving.

Strong comeback for Andraz Krapez

Krapez had to deal with some injuries in his knees last year that kept him out of court. Getting back in October 2018, he participated in the Babolat Bulgarian International and reached the quarterfinal. In December in the Yonex Italian International, he lost in the last 16.

-Due to my willingness to train hard, I managed to have good results that I am very proud of, he said to Badminton Europe.

His first tournament for this year is the RSL Swedish Open which will get underway from 17-20 January.

No competition with compatriots

Slovenia in the category of the Men's Singles has also Miha Ivanic and Miha Ivancic, two skilled players. But Krapez does not see his compatriots competitively.

-I try to be as professional as I can. Also I train hard both for myself and my team, which is so supportive. Our coach teaches us the importance of work ethics. So, Ivanic who is a more experienced player, could be a role model for all us, he stated.

Petra Polanc: ready to compete against more experienced players.

After participating in the Youth Olympics and lots of Junior Tournaments, Polanc had a great performance in the Italian International as a senior in both categories of the Women’s Singles and the Mixed Doubles. She reached the 16.

-It is time for me to try harder and practice more in order to make the next step in my career. The Senior tournaments, are a big challenge. But with hard training, I feel confident enough to play against older and more experienced players, she stated.

In the Victor Slovenia Future Series 2018 which took place in November, Polanc and her compatriot Miha Ivancic won their first title.

-There is great team spirit between us and both of us fought very hard for this result, she told Badminton Europe.

Since Polanc’s target is to go higher in the World ranking, her aim is to participate in Senior tournaments and also European Championships and gain more experiences.

Ultimate goal: Olympics Games

-Some young promising Slovenian players, may managed to qualify for the Olympics Games and represent Slovenia. Like Maja Tvrdy did two times in the past. But trophies do not come easily. It takes training and also discipline, she added.

Of course, not only are hard work and practice necessary, but also the guidance of a capable coach. Yasen Borisov, the National coach and the Slovenian Badminton Federation, provide the athletes with whatever is needed.